Veins are designed to allow blood flow in only one direction, through valves that are part of them. The weakening of these valves can cause blood to flow in the reverse direction and this can cause a swelling in the veins, causing varicose veins. The legs are the most common spot where these occur because of gravity and body weight the legs have to carry. At all times the heart is required to pump blood from the upper to the lower parts of the body.
Heavy legs are the first symptoms of the disease, and this can develop into spider veins in the legs. Ankle swelling, a brownish-blue discoloration of the skin near the varicose veins then appear. It is generally at this stage that varicose vein treatment Melbourne is sought by the citizens of that city. Neglect of the varicose veins could lead to edema, dryness, redness, and itchiness in skin areas, as waste products build up in the legs. Cramps can follow with changes in the skin. Bleeding in these affected areas can be more than normal after injuries and healing can take a longer time. Fat under the skin can become hard, lead to restless leg syndrome, scars and white patches at the ankles, which can denote active ulcers.
Treatment often starts with prescription medicines and the use of compression stockings that can correct reverse blood flow, while the doctor may suggest weight loss and increasing muscle tone as part of the treatment. Other non-surgical treatment can require the injection of medicines into the veins that will cause them to shrink. Patients may require at least four to six such sessions spread over a two month period. Laser treatments are also possible that can treat varicose and spider veins. These treatments are given every three months and the veins color will fade over time. Radio frequency ablation is a treatment that uses a current of a high frequency to heat the veins that have been dilated. It is a painful procedure that may require the patient to be anesthetized.
Many doctors giving varicose vein treatment Melbourne may suggest surgical treatment in serious cases or those which do not respond to other means of treating the affliction. These surgical interventions can include vein stripping where the trunk of the varicose vein is removed. In another procedure called vein ligation, the leaking blood vessel is sutured. There is a chance of recurrence even after these procedures and doctors will suggest lifestyle changes and weight control to prevent this.
